Office Depot Inc., a leading global provider of office products, service and solutions formed by the merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax, has appointed Roland C. Smith as its chairman and CEO.
Smith previously served as the CEO of Salisbury, N.C.-based Delhaize America until he tendered his resignation Sept. 4. He had held that position since October 2012. Prior to that Smith was president and CEO of The Wendy’s Co., president and CEO of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. and CEO of Wendy’s International Inc. Smith also led operational turnarounds at American Golf Corp., the world’s largest owner and operator of golf courses, and AMF, the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers. Additionally, Smith has held senior management positions at KFC International, Pepsi Cola International, Schering-Plough and Procter & Gamble.
“I am honored to accept the position of chairman and CEO of Office Depot Inc.,” said Smith. “With the combined resources of Office Depot and OfficeMax, we have the ability to transform the company and create an exciting new organization that exceeds the needs and desires of our customers, provides new opportunities for our global associates, becomes a more appealing partner to our vendors and increases value for our shareholders.
“I know that numerous cross-company teams have worked diligently over the past eight months to create a clear blueprint for the integration of Office Depot and OfficeMax,” he added. “Moving forward, my focus will be on fully integrating the two companies, achieving the planned synergies, creating a compelling vision for the future and leveraging our infrastructure and assets to drive improved profitability and increased revenue. Additionally, I fully understand that we need to make a headquarters decision quickly so that we can drive our integration efforts.”
Office Depot is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla.; Office Max in Naperville, Ill.
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Smith served in the U.S. Army for seven years in the Transportation and Aviation Corps as platoon leader, executive officer, deputy director of Army programs, aide-de-camp, aviation maintenance officer and pilot.
Smith is chairman of the board of directors for Carmike Cinemas Inc., where he also is chairman of the compensation and nominating committee, and a director for The Wendy’s Co. He is a national trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization International.
Office Depot Lead Director Nigel Travis, co-chair of the CEO selection committee and chairman and CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, said, “Over the last several months, the selection committee evaluated more than 100 candidates in a rigorous process to find the right leader for this company. Roland is uniquely qualified for the newly combined Office Depot and OfficeMax. He has decades of experience integrating companies and cultures and an impressive track record in turning around businesses. Additionally, he brings outstanding leadership that will be invaluable as we seek to transform and grow our new company.”
Added Office Deport Inc. board member Jim Marino, co-chair of the CEO selection committee and former president and CEO of Alberto Culver Co., “We are pleased to add a talented executive of Smith’s caliber to lead our combined organization as we enhance our position in the rapidly changing office solutions marketplace. Roland is a proven leader with the strategic insight and operational discipline necessary to drive our business forward and deliver the synergies that come from combining these two great companies. We are fortunate to have hired the right person for this unique opportunity.”
Office Depot Inc. also announced that as a result of Smith’s appointment as chairman and CEO, Neil Austrian and Ravi Saligram, formerly co-CEOs of Office Depot Inc., have resigned from the company and board. In addition to Smith, the company’s 11-person board includes Warren Bryant, Rakesh Gangwal, Cynthia Jamison, Jim Marino, Michael Massey, Francesca Ruiz de Luzuriaga, Jeff Smith, David Szymanski, Nigel Travis and Joseph Vassalluzzo.
